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Definition of butterflyfish

butterflyfish

/ˈbʌt.ɚ.flaɪˌfɪʃ/
but · ter · fly · fish
Plural:butterflyfishes
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butterflyfish Lexical Profile

butterflyfish Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of numerous species of small, laterally compressed, brightly colored marine fishes belonging to the family Chaetodontidae, typically found inhabiting tropical and subtropical coral reefs across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Example

"While snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef, we saw a vibrant yellow butterflyfish darting gracefully among the coral branches."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for butterflyfish

• Nearby Words

butterfly bush
butterfly pea
butterfly weed
butterflyfish
buttermilk
buttermilk falls
buttermilk racer

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'butterfly' and 'fish', named for the fish's bright colors, striking patterns, and quick, fluttering swimming movements that resemble those of a butterfly.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Butterflyfish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/butterflyfish
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